There is growing knowledge about and appreciation of the importance of Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) to rural livelihoods in developing countries, and to a lesser extent, developed countries. However, there is also an assumption on the part of policy-makers that any harvesting of wild animal or plant products from the forests and other natural and modified ecosystems must be detrimental to the long-term viability of target populations and species. This book challenges this idea and shows that while examples of such negative impacts certainly exist, there are also many examples of sustainable harvesting systems for NTFPs. The chapters review and present coherent and scientifically sound information and case studies on the ecologically sustainable use of NTFPs. They also outline a general interdisciplinary approach for assessing the sustainability of NTFP harvesting systems at different scales. A wide range of case studies is included from Africa, Asia and South America, using plant and animal products for food, crafts, textiles, medicines and cosmetics.

This book provides a comprehensive, global synthesis of current knowledge on the potential and challenges associated with the multiple roles, use, management and marketing of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). There has been considerable research and policy effort surrounding NTFPs over the last two and half decades. The book explores the evolution of sentiments regarding the potential of NTFPs in promoting options for sustainable multi-purpose forest management, income generation and poverty alleviation. Based on a critical analysis of the debates and discourses it employs a systematic approach to present a balanced and realistic perspective on the benefits and challenges associated with NTFP use and management within local livelihoods and landscapes, supported with case examples from both the southern and northern hemispheres. This book covers the social, economic and ecological dimensions of NTFPs and closes with an examination of future prospects and research directions.

The non- wood forest products are of immense importance of the mankind. With industrialisation and urbanisation, timber and firewood can be substituted by other materials but there are still a large number of non-wood forest products for which no synthetic substitutes are available. There is an environmental and ecological angle associated with the harvesting of wood products. There are much less environmental issues associated with the harvesting of non-wood forest products. The non-wood forest products provide considerable employment and income to the rural poor and particularly to tribals. A large number of produce are exported outside and earn valuable foreign exchange. This book Forests: the non-wood resources deals with various kinds of non-wood forest products and their management. The dependence of tribals on non-wood forest products and the role of forest on their socio-economic fabric is also highlighted.